Matthews: Havant players must remain focused on play-off spot

HAVANT are looking to keep a firm grip on the play-offs when they travel to Cobham in London One south tomorrow (3pm).
By The Newsroom
Published 31st Mar 2017, 06:15 BST
Updated 9th May 2017, 20:22 BST
Havant director of rugby Rob Matthews. Picture: Malcolm WellsHavant director of rugby Rob Matthews. Picture: Malcolm Wells
Havant director of rugby Rob Matthews. Picture: Malcolm Wells

With three games remaining, second-placed Havant hold a six point lead over closest rivals Tunbridge Wells.

But the Kent side meet the bottom two clubs in the next fortnight whilst Havant face a much tougher run in.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Havant director of cricket Rob Matthews is optimistic his team can maintain their lead.

He said: ‘If we get bonus point wins in our next two games then we can look forward to the play-offs.

‘That is what we have to remain focused on.

‘The players have worked extremely hard to get us into this position and have reaped the rewards.

‘We came through a tough game against CS Rugby last week and showed glimpses of some of the form displayed before Christmas.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘When we beat Cobham at home earlier in the season we probably produced our best rugby.

‘If we can replicate that in this game then we can come away with the bonus point win we need.’

The visitors are without Dan Mundan through injury, Joe Davis due to work and Dave Sweeney is unavailable.

Joel Knight moves to outside half, with Darren Bamford slotting in at centre after Navy Rugby League duties.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

In the forwards, the vastly experienced Steve Cruddas returns in the back-row.

Jerome Trail also plays his final game for Havant before jetting off to Australia

The hooker has been pivotal in helping Havant challenge for the play-off spot.

And Matthews commended Trail’s role this campaign.

‘Jerome has been a real asset for us this season,’ he added.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

‘We are hoping that he will learn even more playing rugby in Melbourne before coming back to us in September.’

Gosport & Fareham could do Havant a favour by beating Tunbridge Wells at Gosport Park (3pm).

Barry Bridgman’s side had a good home win over Dover last weekend, but will find Tunbridge a different calibre of opposition.

In London Three south west, struggling United Services Portsmouth host Hampshire rivals Basingstoke at Burnaby Road.

Services conceded their game at Battersea Ironsides last weekend when they couldn’t raise a team.

The home side desperately need a win to remain outside the bottom three.

Related topics:HavantKent